Search on to identify potential candidates for public office

Would you like to be the first Filipino American to represent our community in the Michigan state legislature?

This is just a dream for some individuals but we can never tell our destiny. With the right frame of mind and personal resolve plus a supportive community, it can happen even before we know it.

With these things simmering in our mind, we formulated a program aimed at identifying Filipino Americans who have the inclination to become candidates for public office. Filipino Americans who are registered voters can be candidates. It is suggested, though, that potential candidates check the requirements for particular public positions.

Everyone is being encouraged to be a precinct delegate candidate, city council member or mayor but our ultimate goal is to have the first Filipino Americanrepresentative in the Michigan Legislature.

There are several support groups that can assist individuals who want to pursue a career in public service.

The first half of this training looks into our values, stories and identities. It helps ground the individuals in their unique assets, skills and experiences. The second half covers the nuts and bolts of running for office, including fundraising, media, stump speech, and campaign plans.

The role of the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG) in this campaign is just to encourage people to get involved in public service.

USP4GG and other organizations with a 501c3 status are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates for public office. This prohibition, however, does not apply to activities of 501(c) (3) board members and staff when they are acting in their individual capacity.

Persons interested to be a part of this program and especially those willing to pursue a public service career are asked to call this writer at 585-713-8261.

Willie is a teacher at the Detroit Public School. A very popular and influential leader in the Filipino-American community in Michigan, Dechavez is the incumbent Michigan state chairperson of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) and public relations officer of both the Filipino-American Community Council (FILAMCCO) and the Philippine American Community Center (PACCM). A native of Sorsogon, Philippines, he is also vice president of the Bicol Association of Michigan. He is recipient of numerous awards.